Google Maps can consume large amounts of mobile data; offline maps recommended

Google Maps typically uses between 5 MB and 15 MB of mobile data per hour of navigation, whether driving or walking. Using the app for ten hours in a day can therefore drain 50 MB to 150 MB, and intensive features such as satellite view or Street View can push consumption to 100 MB per hour or even up to 1 GB in a day.

To avoid unexpected charges, users can download maps for the required region while on Wi‑Fi and enable the app’s “Wi‑Fi only” mode, turn off background data, or store offline map files on a micro‑SD card. Offline maps are refreshed automatically when the device reconnects to Wi‑Fi, and they remain valid for up to a year.

These practices are especially important for travelers on limited‑data plans, eSIMs, or roaming within the EU, where data allowances may be as low as 500 MB to 1 GB per month.